The legendary Sachin Tendulkar anticipates that the ODI World Cup, which starts in India on Tuesday, will mark a turning point for women’s cricket in the nation.
When Indian women advanced to the final of the 2017 tournament in England, the sport received a huge boost. India has yet to win a world trophy, but Tendulkar believes that this can change if Harmanpreet Kaur and company pursue the ultimate objective domestically.
“I sense that women’s cricket in India stands on the cusp of its own watershed moment. The upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup will not just be about chasing a trophy; it will be about igniting countless dreams,” Tendulkar wrote in an ICC column.
“Somewhere in Moga, a teenage girl might be clutching her bat tighter, hoping to emulate her idol Harmanpreet Kaur. In Sangli, another girl might be practicing her drives, daring to dream like Smriti Mandhana.”
With her incredible 171 versus Australia in the 2017 edition semifinal, Harmanpreet had captured the nation’s attention. Tendulkar can still clearly recall that knock.
“I still remember vividly Harmanpreet’s magnificent 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup. It was not just an innings; it was a statement. The sheer audacity of her strokeplay, the clarity of her mind, and the courage in her heart took women’s cricket in India into a new orbit.
“I believe that was the moment when many stopped seeing women’s cricket as a sideshow—it became centre stage.”
Additionally, he is greatly impressed by Mandhana, a graceful left-hander.
“There is a silken grace to her batting, a natural rhythm in the way she times the ball. Her ability to find gaps with such elegance reminds me of the finest in the game.”
According to the cricket great, women’s cricket receives the necessary platform from the ICC event held at home.
“Now, the sport has the opportunity to transcend barriers—of gender, of perception, of accessibility. The little girl with a plastic bat in a small town must feel that the world is open to her, just as I felt after watching a triumphant Team India in 1983.”
Additionally, he commended Jay Shah, the current head of the ICC, for his support to women’s cricket in India.
” A lot of credit must go to Jay Shah, who, during his time as BCCI secretary, pushed for equal match fees for men and women and laid the foundation for the Women’s Premier League,” Tendulkar added.
